Issue - meetings
Meeting: 29/09/2026 - Planning Committee (Item 28)
Temporary structure for a term of 7 years. A robust structure to act as a temporary boat hall has been proposed to allow protection for the Shannon class lifeboat and tractor from the elements due to the exposed location, as well as a measure of security.
Minutes:
Earlier on in the meeting, as detailed under minute 26 above, Councillor Alexander had declared for the public record, in relation to this application that he was one of the Ward Members, and he had confirmed that he was not pre-determined on this application.
The Committee was informed that this application sought planning permission for a temporary boat hall for a period of seven years to accommodate the RNLI's Shannon-class lifeboat and associated launch tractor. The existing lifeboat station could not accommodate the vessel due to the size and configuration of the current boat hall.
Members were advised that the proposal was considered by Officers to be acceptable in principle and that it would provide significant public benefits through the continued operation of a vital emergency service. No objections had been raised by the Environment Agency, Essex Highways, Place Services Ecology or the Council's Tree and Landscape Officer. Whilst there would be a temporary loss of part of the overflow parking area, this harm was outweighed by the operational and public benefits of the development. Subject to conditions, the application was recommended by Officers for approval.
The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.
At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Planning Officer (AP) in respect of the application.
No updates had been circulated to Members in relation to this application.
No member of the public had registered to speak on this application.
|
Matters raised by Members of the Committee:- |
Officer’s response thereto:- |
|
Why are we limiting this to seven years? |
The proposal before us is for a seven year temporary permission for the lifeboat house while the RNLI look for a more permanent solution. |
|
I’m curious about its construction and what it is made of especially the sides. |
The sides are sheet steel cladding, and they would be powder coated and coloured ready for the advertisement decals to go on showing the lifeboat images. The roofing is plastic coated membrane and that would be coloured white and there would be a steel structure inside. |
|
Presumably this is for the winter time only? I’m assuming that. It’s a great tourist attraction and something that the area does not want to lose. Does the skirt go right the way around the building and completely encase the boat inside? |
It does. It will not be a see through structure. It will have the decals on the side depicting the lifeboat. It will be a secure and weather proof structure that will be floor to ceiling covered in the materials of the building. |
|
During the summer months will that structure remain in place, or will they open it in the warmer weather so people can get a much better view of the lifeboat? |
I understand that it will be closed. It won’t be open though the RNLI do have ‘open days’ so it maybe possible ... view the full minutes text for item 28 |


